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It's Happening: Showing the Christmas Spirit by Helping a Family that Recently Lost All in House Fire

By Julie Perine on December 12, 2016 from It’s Happening via Connect-Bridgeport.com

We’re still two weeks out, but I’ve seen a lot of Christmas already – and I’m talking right here in our own community. Yes, the lights and other decorations throughout the Main Street corridor and other parts of the city and community are absolutely beautiful, but this time I’m talking about something different.
 
I’m talking about a group of school teachers pooling their money and their time to shop for students they feel may fall through the cracks in getting holiday assistance. And I’m talking about a small child helping with that effort, being more concerned about the Christmas wishes of others coming true – than her own.
 
I’m talking about a shopper loading up gifts for a child on the Angel Tree and the cashier – not knowing what the gifts were for – working with the customer to apply discounted prices.
 
I’m talking about the mere mention in church of an individual in need and the outpouring of not only money, but of concern.
 
Those are just a couple instances. It’s everywhere.
 
Chances are you’ve gotten in it. Salvation Army kettle bell ringers have been in action. There are various gift programs for children and loads of other projects going on. If you missed out on those –or even if you didn’t – here’s yet another opportunity to put your true Christmas spirit in action.
 
Friday afternoon, a Lodgeville family lost their home in a fire. The structure and everything in it, including some pets, were lost in the blaze. The Tonya Ables family, whose property was uninsured, needs financial assistance and clothing. A Go Fund Me page has been established and can be accessed HERE. As of Sunday, $685 had been raised. As of  Monday, the total climbed to $1,185. The family is being housed in a local hotel through Dec. 18. Both Ables and the male occupant of the home are employed by Bridgeport Shop 'n Save. Financial donations and small items, such as kitchen and household items, are being accepted at the store.
 
Also, family members are in need of clothing of the following sizes:
  • Women’s size 20 or XXL or XXXL jeans/tops, size 9 shoes
  • Junior size 9 or large, XL shirts; size 9 shoes or size 10 boots
  • Men’s size 38/34 jeans, XL shirts, size 11 shoes
The donation of a storage building would also be helpful at this time. 
 
A relative, Velva Shreves can be reached via Facebook to answer questions. Alternatively, emails can be sent to julie@connect-bridgeport.com
 
Read about the fire in a story by Jeff Toquinto HERE.


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